Koi fish boast a rich and diverse color system, where different color combinations not only offer ornamental value but also carry unique cultural meanings. Here’s a breakdown of the main color categories and their characteristics:
I. Basic Monochromatic Colors
Red Koi
- Symbolizes good luck and festivity, the most common variety.
- High-quality individuals feature vivid, pure red tones that contrast sharply with white patterns.
White Koi
- Represents purity and elegance, with scales requiring a "snow-cut white" cool-toned texture.
Black Koi
- Signifies stability and wisdom, needing deep, non-dull ink-black hues—commonly seen in Showa Sanshoku breeds.
Gold Koi
- Top-tier golden color requires three generations of selective breeding, with scales as uniform as molten gold.
II. Classic Multicolor Combinations
Kohaku (Red & White)
- Premium specimens have clear, distinct red and white patterns, with a naturally low occurrence rate.
- Symbolizes good fortune in Japanese culture, often used in important ceremonies.
Taisho Sanshoku (Red, White & Black)
- Interwoven red, white, and black tones, with black spots ideally radiating in a star-like pattern.
Showa Sanshoku (Black, Red & White)
- Black base with red and white markings; a "human-character black" pattern on the head enhances value.
III. Special Mutant Varieties
- Butterfly Koi: Elongated fins that flow elegantly, sometimes with ancestral color reversion.
- Luminescent Koi: Rare golden individuals that shimmer uniquely in sunlight.
(Note: Color expression is influenced by water quality, lighting, etc. Scale types include full-scaled, mirror-scaled, and leather-scaled.)